While around 180 Pacific Fuel Haul tanker drivers settled their collective, tanker drivers at SouthFuels have been on strike since 16 December over overtime allowances.

The drivers requested time and a quarter when they clock over 50 hours, but FIRST Union says the company has refused this.

Bargaining broke down following mediation last week but drivers want to return to the table and to return to work and today picketed their workplace.

FIRST Union transport organiser Justin Wallace says recognition of overtime for a work week of more than 40 hours is standard for collective agreements in the industry.

“Recognition of long hours is compensation for drivers having hours taken away from their personal lives; they should be paid overtime allowances for anything over 40 hours but as a compromise, have increased that to 50. All they are asking for is less than standard compared to the rest of our collective contracts. Further, these drivers do not receive danger or risk money despite transporting explosive goods, they need to be compensated for the risks they take and the skills they have.

Wallace says the drivers are in high spirits and just want to get on with the job.

“They just want a fair deal, they like their jobs and just want to get on with the job but need the allowances in place to protect against the company requiring them to work ever longer hours.”

Southfuels was contacted but said they were unable to comment on the strike.